The show is being billed as a cost-effective showcase for the region’s multi-million pound boat building industry.

Major industry players such as Haines Marine of Catfield and Broom Boats of Brundall have already confirmed their appearance.

Exhibitors from further afield will include the Fish and Duck Marina at Ely and Hartford Marina, in Huntingdon, which will display a Dutch-built Interboat for which it is the East of England agent.

Other firms to take stands in the spacious function room at the Wherry Hotel include ASAP Supplies of Beccles, Brundall-based Norfolk Yacht Agency and Wroxham-based Norfolk Boat Sales.

AA advertisement manager Duncan Abel said: “The London Boat Show in January has seen a drop in the number of visitors and exhibitors and because of its cost can be unattractive to the smaller businesses, including many of those in our region.”

He said the Broadland village of Horning had successfully picked up on the idea of a smaller, local show last year - an event to be repeated this May - and the aim of the Anglia Afloat show was to give the industry a lift at a time of the year that was normally quiet.

Mr Abel said: “The Horning show was very Broads focused; by holding our event at Oulton Broad we want to attract offshore boats as well river boats.”

As well as stands in the function room there will be boats on trailers in the car park and a number on moorings.

Mr Abel said: “Tickets to the event will be free to people who pre-register and we have already had more than 200 people sign up. On the door, they will cost £2.”

Haines will bring its 32 Sedan model which has become the most successful in its history, and was looked over by Princess Anne at the London Boat Show. Broom has yet to confirm whether it will be launching its 28 model at the show. To pre-register email editor@angliaafloat.co.uk